everal waterlogged areas of Kuttanad are set to become duck rearing spots once again. Many farmers are returning to duck farming after a year-long hiatus.
The farmers were forced to abandon their duck farms after avian flu swept across Kuttanad, leaving thousands of ducks culled. Duck farmers were given only a nominal compensation, but were keen to be back into it. The nod from the Animal Husbandry Department, which determined that bird flu is no longer in evidence, has brought many farmers back on the job.
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‘Chaara’ and ‘Chembally,’ two varieties of the Kuttanad duck, are the favourites. There is much demand for these in both the local market and neighbouring districts. The abundance of waterbodies and dry fields is an advantage the Kuttanad duck farmer makes good use of. The farmers are looking forward to the Christmas season to make a killing, when duck meat turns a staple on local dining tables. A fully grown duck could fetch Rs.200 to Rs.300 or more depending on its weight, in the retail market. Kuttanad ducks have a brand pull and the farmers are fervently pinning hopes on it after last year’s misery. Shops selling Kuttanad duck meat have already started sprouting along the AC road route.
The government has also started supporting the cause. A project to market Kuttand duck meat and eggs is under way in some areas, like Pallipad near Haripad, with the help of the Animal Husbandry Department. The government provides a Rs.7-lakh grant to self-help groups for operating outlets equipped with freezers, for marketing of duck egg and meat. The scheme involves scientific processing and waste management, and marketing using own vehicles.
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The Pallipad grama panchayat is going ahead with a project for setting up a model duck farm. Efforts are on to acquire 7.5 acres for the project. The project will have facilities for incubation and raising of ducklings, advanced facilities for processing of eggs and meat, Mini Krishna, panchayat president, told The Hindu.
Under the Swaminathan Commission package, capacity enhancement of the duck farm at Niranom has been taken up at a cost of Rs.18 lakh. A duck insurance scheme is also part of the package.